Holding to miss Terriers visit with worrying knee injury

Arsenal will be without Rob Holding for Saturday's Premier League visit of Huddersfield with a potentially long-term knee injury.

The 23-year-old central defender, who has been a regular first-team fixture under boss Unai Emery this season, was stretchered off during Wednesday night's 2-2 draw at Manchester United.

And, speaking ahead of the weekend's clash against the Terriers, the Spanish tactician said he was waiting on further news from the medical staff, but added: "The first news is not good."

While Holding is definitely out, defender Laurent Koscielny could come into the matchday squad, after twice playing for Arsenal Under-23s, although Emery is unwilling to rush him back into action.

The ankle injury which midfielder Aaron Ramsey suffered at Old Trafford will be monitored before the game, which Mesut Ozil is expected to miss out due to a back problem.

Emery added: "He had backache and now he's working with one physio. We're going to look when he can come with us."

Arsenal are now unbeaten in 20 games, since August's defeat at rivals Chelsea.

But Emery's focus is firmly on the future and taking three points against Huddersfield and finishing a week which began with a north London derby win over Tottenham on a high.

Asked if he has enjoyed such a lengthy undefeated streak previously in his managerial career, the former Sevilla and Paris St Germain boss said: "I can't remember - maybe yes, maybe not.

"I live (in the) present in every day, in every year.

"The only thing is about Huddersfield, the games happen very quickly for the players, for me, for us.

"Maybe I've won, maybe I lost, but I need to win on Saturday.

"This draw yesterday is only good if we win against Huddersfield. On Saturday, they are going to push a lot and (will want) a surprise.

"We are very convinced in our way: work, prepare, respect, push with our supporters at the Emirates and feel the spirit with them."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Craig Smithson is a journalist with over two decades of experience at the keyboard. A life-long Middlesbrough fan, Craig has an in-depth knowledge of all football and is also a keen fan of boxing amongst other sports.

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